Fall colour motorcycle tours
The best colours of fall last a few weeks, so make the best of this short season with these destinations you should include in your fall foliage motorcycle rides.
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Within easy reach of most of southern Ontario, Muskoka is a fall colour favourite. Whatever type of road you prefer, from tight and twisting to big and open, you are in for a treat.
From the shores of Georgian Bay to Algonquin Park and the Almaguin Highlands, there are trees aplenty, and the fall colour show is guaranteed to be spectacular.
There are several ways to make the best of a fall ride in the Great Canadian Wilderness. Check off as many roads as time allows from the area’s top ten motorcycling roads list or follow one of the pre-planned loops like the 1000-kilometre Big Loop or the 650-kilometre Small Loop.
Of course, there is more to a good ride than saddle time, so be sure to stop by the falls in Bracebridge or the Visitor Centre in Algonquin Park. Stroll amongst the sculptures at Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls or along the harbour in Parry Sound. The Crossroads Restaurant is always an excellent lunch stop in the village of Rosseau. Exploring the half-dozen breweries in the Great Canadian Wilderness is a tour of its own and a perfect way to pick up your post-ride refreshments.
Lake Temiskaming Circle Tour
Northeastern Ontario's 868-kilometre Lake Temiskaming Circle Tour is a fall colour wonderland that splits its length between Ontario and Quebec. Two provinces, languages, and cultures offer an abundance of natural, historical and cultural treasures to uncover along its length.
In the Ontario portion, head north from North Bay along Highway 11 as it twists and turns between lakes, rocks, forests and the brilliance of fall colour. Stop for a look around the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence, take in the grand view from the Fire Tower in Temagami and learn about the area's mining history in Cobalt. In New Liskeard, spend the night at Holiday Inn Express and Suites, conveniently located on Highway 11, and refuel with some good eats at the nearby Zante's Bar & Grill.
Ride Ontario’s Highlands
Take the ultimate fall ride through a landscape of water, rock, forest and some of the best motorcycle roads in Ontario. Ride the Highlands’s Fall Loop takes you through the rolling hills of Haliburton Highlands and the magnificent fall foliage of Algonquin Park.
Along the way, visit Buttermilk Falls or Dorset Lookout Tower for impressive scenic views. Indulge yourself with a sweet treat at The Scooped Moose or crack open a cold beer at Boshkung Brewing Co. When you’re done for the day, rest at Sir Sam's Inn.
For more rides through the Haliburton Highlands, visit Ride the Highland’s website.
The Grand Algoma Tour
Containing perhaps the most spectacular stretch of road in Ontario along the north shore of Lake Superior, the Grand Algoma Tour is a memorable ride any time during the riding season, but definitely at its visual best during fall's colourful show.
Enjoy the twists and turns along Highway 129 as it snakes its way between river and rock through the Mississagi Valley. Take in the breathtaking visual spectacle along Highway 101 and the shore of Lake Superior.
Grab a selfie with Ontario's version of the Tail of The Dragon sign along Highway 129 at the Tunnel Lake Trading Post. and The Wawa Goose offers another photo opportunity. There are many worthy stops in Lake Superior Provincial Park, with Old Woman Bay being one of the favourites.
Do your souvenir shopping at Agawa Crafts and The Canadian Carver, and stop at the Voyageurs' Lodge & Cookhouse to sample their famous apple fritters. Wawa and Chapleau offer many accommodations, as does Sault Ste. Marie.
Cruise Ontario’s South Coast
While the routes of northern Ontario offer an abundance of colourful treetops for your viewing pleasure, a ride in southern Ontario's Cruise the Coast region will have you rolling through quaint, picturesque towns, along hilly and windy roads and past fields, forests, lakes and farms. Witness a captivating combination of colourful trees, golden farm fields and white sand beaches. With a dozen routes to choose from, head out for a few hours or combine a few routes for a more extended tour.
Take in the views and sunsets at Long Point Provincial Park or visit motorcycling's most well-known beach town, Port Dover. Stock up on your post-ride wine at Burning Kiln Winery. Port Stanley offers many reasons to stay, including lunch with beach views at Mackie's. Visit the Windsor waterfront and take in the sights of Detroit across the river, then follow the St. Clair River north to the shore of Lake Huron.
Last updated: October 16, 2024